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Here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming Danica Patrick / IndyCar Series promo to be aired on the Versus Network.  I think they’ve made the folks at Andretti Green Racing proud with this one.  Check it out online in case you miss its debut during the Versus Network’s coverage of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach this weekend. Don’t get the Versus Network? Call your cable/satellite provider and request that they add it to your current programming. Those of you who would like to spread some IRL joy to those who are specifically on Dish Network, click HERE.

Graham Rahal, while doing Versus promotions, took some time out to answer some questions on how he felt going into the first race of the season.  Graham is very optimistic and feels good going into St. Petersburg.  I don’t see why he wouldn’t be being that he won there last year in his IndyCar Series debut.  Let’s not forget that he ran really well at the off-season testing at Barber Motorsports Park.  

Graham also answered questions for fellow open wheel bloggers: Pressdog, is it May yet?, 16th and Georgetown

 Versus network continues to promote the IndyCar Series prior to the opening race on the Streets of St Petersburg scheduled for April 5, 2009.  At first I was a bit skeptical about the IndyCar Series moving to Vs.  I must admit, they have definitely caught my attention with all the promotions and effort that they have put in prior to the start of the season.  Versus has already surpassed ESPN in my book in coverage.  Funny thing is they haven’t even covered anything yet.  However, they are going to have a special this Saturday on driver Danica Patrick that is scheduled to air from 2-3 p.m. The promo video above will debut this during this hour long special.  Below is a schedule of IndyCar programs that are going to run every Saturday during the month of March.  These should tie us over and get us worked up for the opener April 5th.

Saturday, March 07, 2009 2:00PM – 3:00PM	DANICA – FIVE YEARS RUNNING  () Danica- Five Years Running  TBD
Saturday, March 14, 2009 2:00PM – 3:00PM	INDY CAR: CLOSEST FINISHES  () Indy Car Series: Top 10 Closest Finishes  TBD
Saturday, March 21, 2009 2:00PM – 3:00PM	INDY CAR: CRASHES AND CONFLICTS  () Indy Car Series: Crashes and Conflicts  TBD
Saturday, March 28, 2009 2:00PM – 3:00PM	INDY CAR: WORLD TOUR 2009  () IndyCar Series World Tour 2009  TBD

photo: Stanton Barrett getting ready to head out onto the track

It has definitely been an interesting day at Homestead Miami Speedway.  As you saw in my previous postings.  Pippa Mann was the fastest rookie on the track during the Firestone Indy Lights session.  There has also been speculation amongst the blog community that Milka will not be testing Tuesday and Wednesday night.  I had the oppurtunity to talk to Milka Duno and she stated to me that she will be behind the wheel tommorrow and Wednesday night.  The Vs. livery car prepped by Vision Racing will not be running.   According to our fellow open wheel blogger furious wedge, the Vs. car will be used during a promo video shoot for the Versus network and will be piloted by AJ Foyt IV.  Stanton Barrett started his transition into an open wheel car this evening with the IRL giving the rookie oval drivers some seat time.  Although slow out the gate, team owner Steve Sudler has assured me that the team is very optimistic and positive that they will catch up with rest of field over the course of the 2009 season.

Well friends, Versus Network announced there broadcast team last week and now they have have started there add campaign with some short video adds.  The PR department from the Indy Racing League sent me these two promo videos that will debut during the  during the NHL All-Star game and will continue to play up until the season opener on the streets of St. Peterburg.  This should grab some attention during a very quiet off-season.